Students studying together in the library looking at laptop

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Online
    All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 20 days/150hrs over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • ATAR

    60

  • Inherent Requirements

  • Language Requirements

    IELTS Overall Score 7.0 minimum in all bands

  • Entry Requirements

  • Course abbreviation

    BSW

  • Course code

    3007316

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    February, June

  • Duration

    4 years full-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • ATAR

    60

  • Inherent Requirements

  • Language Requirements

    IELTS Overall Score 7.0 minimum in all bands

  • Entry Requirements

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work is an entry-level, professionally accredited qualification to practise as a social worker. The course prepares students to work in a diverse range of fields including health and mental health, child and family welfare, cross-cultural work and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth work, homelessness, domestic and family violence, disability, drug and alcohol, community development, and advocacy.

Underpinned by core principles of social justice and human rights, the course engages students in contemporary anti-oppressive, decolonised and trauma-informed approaches to social work practice. This high job growth area offers a variety of careers in client service roles, service management, research, strategy and policy development.

Core units within the course cover essential theories, methods and skills for social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. These are complemented by foundational studies in Indigenous world views, sociology, politics, human development and social research.

An elective stream provides opportunity for students to pursue their interests and develop knowledge in a range of disciplines, and an optional embedded Honours program is available for those interested in research and pathways to further postgraduate studies and who have maintained a credit average across the first two years of study.  Note: Eligible students who are interested in undertaking the Honours stream in 2023 should consult the Bachelor of Social Work Course Coordinator prior to enrolling in elective units.

Please note: All students, including those enrolled online, are required to participate in on-campus learning for a minimum of 20 days/150hrs over the duration of the course. This requirement is stipulated by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). On-campus enrolled students meet this minimum requirement by participating in four units with compulsory attendance. Online students meet this requirement by attending compulsory residential schools conducted at the Gold Coast campus. Units with compulsory participation and on-campus residential schools are identified in the course structure section below (‘note 2’). Students should also refer to the enrolment information for these units.

Naomie Rigaud, SCU graduate stands smiling in a blue shirt in front of a healthplace reception

“I liked the location, the flexibility of studying online and meeting face-to-face for residentials. The learning content had a great mix between direct practice and critical reflection which was really valuable.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Apply social work values, knowledge and skills in practice and research processes to address client needs, organisational goals and social policy change. Honours pathway: Be able to create research outputs that demonstrate research design skills, critical thinking, initiative and judgement in developing new understanding.

GA2: Creativity

Ensure that clients’ needs are addressed holistically and creatively, drawing on relevant theory, research and practice wisdom.

GA3: Ethical practice

Promote and implement policies and practices to achieve a fair, equitable and efficient allocation of social resources, and identify inappropriate or inequitable policy goals and outcomes.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Ensure that client needs, organisational goals and community expectations of social work services are met in the most appropriate manner, using social work knowledge, skills and resources.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate a commitment to continually increase professional knowledge and skills and to continuing education and lifelong learning.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders , including clients, colleagues and managers including within a multi-disciplinary team environment

GA7: Cultural competence

Apply knowledge of organisational and societal systems and processes to identify inequality and ensure appropriate action is taken so that social barriers, inequality and injustice are reduced.

In line with AASW requirements, students will complete 1,000 hours of supervised placement in a human service organisation as part of the course. Please note, students must obtain a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check and most agencies require students to have a current driver’s licence.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)102204F

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of this course will be prepared to practise as social workers in government and non-government positions in fields such as health, child protection, disability services, housing services, youth work, aged care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, community development, mental health services, and domestic violence services.

The course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) for entry into the social work profession.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score7.0 minimum in all bands
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Social Work, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • 26 core units (336 credit points), and
  • 4 electives (48 credit points)

Honours

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • 23 core units (288 credit points), and
  • the equivalent of 8 honours units (96 credit points)

Students must also maintain a credit average across the degree to be eligible for this award. 

Professional Experience Learning / Field Education

This course includes professional experience learning via field education. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience Field Education page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Exit awards

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Human Services Studies after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) as specified in the Diploma of Human Services Studies structure.

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more

Going straight from school to a degree is one way to start uni, but it’s not the only way.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you just left school, Southern Cross University offer two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

POLT1001Australian Politics
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term4
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
SOCI1005Social Policy
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
WELF1002Community Development
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
Term4
12 Note 2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet compulsory participation requirements to pass the unit. Gold Coast students must attend weekly on-campus tutorials. Online students must attend a 3 day on-campus residential (8.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday to Sunday inclusive) at either the Coffs Harbour (week 2), Gold Coast (week 3) or Lismore (week 4) campus. A record of attendance will be kept at all tutorials and residentials.

Second Year

WELF2005Case Management and Care Planning
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
SWRK2001Social Work Practice I - Building Relationships
Term1
12 Note 2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet participation requirements comprising 42 hours of compulsory attendance at either on-campus tutorials (GC students) or an on-campus residential (online students)
SOCI2006Doing Social Research
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
WELF2003Trauma Informed Practice
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
WELF3002Issues of Protection
Term2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Online
Term2,3
Term2,3
SWRK2002Social Work Practice II - Teams and Groups
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
SWRK3001Social Work Practice III - Mental Health
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A

Third Year

SWRK2005Social Work Placement I
Tri Term1
36 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Tri Term1
Tri Term1
Online
Tri Term1
N/A
Pre-requisitesWELF1001 - Introduction to Social Welfare AND WELF1003 - Counselling Theory and Practice AND SWRK2001 - Social Work Practice I - Building Relationships AND SWRK2002 - Social Work Practice II - Teams and Groups
Anti-requisitesSWRK2003 - Social Work Placement Ia
Enrolment informationInternational onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. This unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
Enrolment restrictionsStudents must seek approval to enrol following submission of required documentation in accordance with Field Education guidelines.
SWRK3002Social Work Practice IV - Organisational Practice
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
PSYC2004Lifespan Psychology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
SWRK3003Social Work Practice V - Policy and Community Activism
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
SWRK3004Social Work Practice VI - Advanced Practice Methods
Term4
12 Note 2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Pre-requisitesWELF1003 - Counselling Theory and PracticeWELF2005 - Case Management and Care PlanningWELF2003 - Trauma Informed PracticeSWRK2001 - Social Work Practice I - Building Relationships
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet participation requirements comprising 42 hours of compulsory attendance at either on-campus tutorials (GC students) or an on-campus residential (online students)
Elective

Fourth Year

Elective
SWRK3005Social Work Practice VII - Social Work in Legal Contexts

Not currently available

12 Note 2
WELF3003Disability and Community Practice
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Elective
Elective
SWRK3010Social Work Placement II

Not currently available

36 Note 1

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units from your third year onwards to satisfy the requirements of the Honours Award

Students have the option to complete the Honours pathway if a credit average across the degree has been maintained

Third Year

SWRK2005Social Work Placement I
Tri Term1
36 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Tri Term1
Tri Term1
Online
Tri Term1
N/A
Pre-requisitesWELF1001 - Introduction to Social Welfare AND WELF1003 - Counselling Theory and Practice AND SWRK2001 - Social Work Practice I - Building Relationships AND SWRK2002 - Social Work Practice II - Teams and Groups
Anti-requisitesSWRK2003 - Social Work Placement Ia
Enrolment informationInternational onshore students must enrol in the internal offering of this unit. This unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
Enrolment restrictionsStudents must seek approval to enrol following submission of required documentation in accordance with Field Education guidelines.
SWRK3002Social Work Practice IV - Organisational Practice
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
PSYC2004Lifespan Psychology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
SWRK3003Social Work Practice V - Policy and Community Activism
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
SWRK3004Social Work Practice VI - Advanced Practice Methods
Term4
12 Note 2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Pre-requisitesWELF1003 - Counselling Theory and PracticeWELF2005 - Case Management and Care PlanningWELF2003 - Trauma Informed PracticeSWRK2001 - Social Work Practice I - Building Relationships
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet participation requirements comprising 42 hours of compulsory attendance at either on-campus tutorials (GC students) or an on-campus residential (online students)
SWRK3005Social Work Practice VII - Social Work in Legal Contexts

Not currently available

12 Note 2

Fourth Year

COMM4006Research Methods for Arts and Social Sciences I

Not currently available

12
COMM4007Research Methods for Arts and Social Sciences II

Not currently available

12
Pre-requisitesCOMM4006 - Research Methods for Arts and Social Sciences I
SWRK4003Social Work Honours Thesis I
Dual Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Online
Dual Term4
N/A
Pre-requisitesSOCI2006 - Doing Social Research
Enrolment restrictionsStudents must be approved to enrol.
SWRK4004Social Work Honours Thesis II

Not currently available

12
SWRK4005Social Work Honours Thesis III

Not currently available

12
SWRK4006Social Work Honours Placement II

Not currently available

36 Note 1


Note 1:

Triple-weighted unit

Note 2:

Residential School

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
POLT1001Australian Politics
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice Note 2
WELF1002Community Development
SOCI1005Social Policy
PSYC2004Lifespan Psychology
WELF2005Case Management and Care Planning
SWRK2001Social Work Practice I - Building Relationships Note 2
SOCI2006Doing Social Research
WELF2003Trauma Informed Practice
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
SWRK2002Social Work Practice II - Teams and Groups
SWRK3001Social Work Practice III - Mental Health
SWRK3002Social Work Practice IV - Organisational Practice
SWRK2005Social Work Placement I Note 1
SWRK3003Social Work Practice V - Policy and Community Activism
SWRK3004Social Work Practice VI - Advanced Practice Methods Note 2
WELF3002Issues of Protection
SWRK3005Social Work Practice VII - Social Work in Legal Contexts Note 2
Students can complete:
Students may choose the Honours option if a credit average across the degree has been maintained, or else complete the following units:

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
WELF3003Disability and Community Practice
SWRK3010Social Work Placement II Note 1
AND
one Shared Minor OR 4 Electives
OR
the embedded Honours option:

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM4006Research Methods for Arts and Social Sciences I
COMM4007Research Methods for Arts and Social Sciences II
SWRK4003Social Work Honours Thesis I
SWRK4004Social Work Honours Thesis II
SWRK4005Social Work Honours Thesis III
SWRK4006Social Work Honours Placement II Note 1

Why Social Work and Community Welfare at SCU

No.1 in QLD for Skills Development

We're ranked No.1 in QLD for skills development in Humanities and Social Sciences

(GUG 2023)

Global top 5% in Social Sciences

We're in the global top 5% in Social Sciences

(THE World University Rankings 2020)

Student Support

We're also ranked No.1 in Australia for student support and learning resources in Social Work

(GUG 2020)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

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International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway